Gundam Build Fighter N
I do not own Gundam or any other anime/cartoon/comic/manga/game characters that appear in this fan fiction. Enjoy.
Chapter 02: Learned to… dance?
The city of New York was ablaze, illuminating the night sky. From the center of a roaring fire that was consuming half the city, Nemesis Astraea burst from a cloud of smoke and debris, gunning in towards its feminine opponent. GN Sword drawn, it clashed with a modified purple beam scythe. The opposing Gunpla, a modified Nobel called the Gundam Dullahan spun around with a kick, but the Nemesis Astraea blocked with its shield, bashing the Dullahan aside, GN Sword Kai extended to deliver a thrust to the cockpit. The Dullahan back peddled away to gain some distance, black simulated hair cables and tattered cloak flapping in the wind around it. Beneath said clock, one could point out the similarities to another Gunpla aside the obvious Nobel Gundam Base. The sailor fuku design was gone, replaced with a longer armored skirt, but this one resembling none other than the Gundam Deathscythe Hell, aiding in a more feminine reaper look.
As the Dullahan flew back and away from the charging Astraea, it let loose a heat-rod whip from its left arm, said weapon wrapping around the Astraea's sword wielding arm. The Astraea paused, pulling hard onto the heat-rod while the Dullahan pulled toward itself. The Astraea proved the stronger, slowly dragging the Dullahan closer, but while it struggled to hold off the Astraea, it's head disconnected and flew into the air, hair trailing behind it. The separated head zipped through the air, face guard opening to reveal a toothy maw much similar to a Gundam Head from Mobile Fighter G Gundam. Yellow energy gathered in it's mouth. At its peak, it fired the beam down towards the Astraea, which dove out of the way of the attack. When the beam struck the ground, a massive explosion engulfed the area. The Dullahan pulled it's heat-rod back, and jumped away as the Astraea disappeared in the blinding light of the blast.
The separated head flew back to the body, reattaching to the neck piece to be whole once again. With a quick burst of it's jets, the Gundam rocketed into the air only to land safely on the roof of one of the many buildings that surrounded them. It scanned the area for the Astraea, knowing that the Gunpla wasn't destroyed as the winner of the match wasn't declared.
It wasn't long before the Astraea burst from the smoke below, shield to the front as it burned a red glare from its optics at the Dullahan. The feminine suit ignited the beam scythe and swung down as the enemy Gunpla came within reach. It gave a faint, dodging to the side in a spin to avoid the ignited purple beam. When it spun around to swing its weapon in a horizontal swipe, it paused when it could clearly see an ignited red saber across it's field of vision, gripped in the left hand. The GN Sword Kai was extended, tip of the blade aimed only inches from the cockpit.
With a sigh Lala Le Fay conceded to defeat, declaring Writ as the winner of the match. Particles disappearing, their Gunpla were left the in the same position they had ended it, though their beam weaponry was no longer active without the use of particles. Lala approached, hands on hips. Today's hairstyle was different than the norm. Mohawk was gone, her hair somehow magically turning white and having gotten so long, it passed her lower back. Corbin a day earlier learned she actually shaved her head and would wear wigs. She said it was easier to deal with than dying her hair and/or waiting for it to grow. Writ said it was 'cutting' out the middle man. She had elbowed him for the bad joke.
The match was to see if the Nemesis Astraea was ready for any future battles after it's completed repairs. The original Proto GN Blade was replaced with a new GN Sword Kai, the green edge of the blade replaced with a red/orange one. Lala of course also wanted to showcase her newly completed Gunpla, the Dullahan. Though she had high hopes she'd beat him with the head separating like it did.
"What did you expect?" Writ said, taking up his Astraea. "You called it 'Dullahan'. I know Irish lore." He approached her as she took up her own Gunpla. He gently reached out to take the Gunpla, and her hand, in his to examine it. The blush on her face went unnoticed. "Though it is a pretty awesome design. Never seen a Gunpla's head come off like that except from the Zeong."
"Thank ye'," she said as Writ released her hand. Though she still sported her piercing, her attire was slightly different from the normal punk girl look she sported the first week Corbin had met her. Today was more gothic Lolita with a short frilly skirt and black thigh stockings. She still wore the boots with multiple buckles however along with long black fingerless gloves.
Writ approached Corbin, setting the Nemesis Astraea next to Corbin's training Gray Zeta. Corbin had watched the match on the screen to the side of the room, and his jaw was still dropped from the fight. The two had been fighting for over fifteen minutes, exchanging blows throughout New York City, which simply left it on fire. Such a scary scene. When he looked to Lala, she was wiping her forehead of a few beads of sweat. She even looked tired. Writ however, didn't even look like he had been in a battle.
"Now with that being said and done," Writ said, digging into his back pockets. He quickly drew out three tickets.
To Corbin, he didn't know what it meant. Though he did see the standard design of a Gundam's head stamped onto each ticket. Lala though, seemed to flash step up next to Writ from across the room, snatching the tickets from his hand. "Ye got'em!" Her arms instantly wrapped around his neck, her lips planting on his cheek, leaving purple lipstick as her mark. Writ nearly lost his glasses from the sudden assault. "I can' believ' ye got'em!"
"Months in advance," Writ admitted, smile on his face.
"What are they?" Corbin asked, eyeing the tickets.
"Tickets to your next test, kid," Writ said, plucking two of the tickets from Lala's hands. She beamed when he said, "That one's yours." He turned and held one out to Corbin. "And this one is yours."
Taking it carefully, Corbin examined the white and red ticket with a Gundam's head. In obvious Gundam font, was stamped 'Gunpla World Atlanta'. Flipping it over he said the standard rules of trying to copy and distribute said copies of the ticket and what the punishment was, along with a barcode and assorted numbers that didn't mean much to him. "What is 'Gunpla World Atlanta'?"
"It's a surprise. And NO cheating by looking it up online." Writ waved a finger in Corbin's direction as he moved to the stairs. Lala skipped after him, still beaming with her ticket in hand.
"And I've only been working here for a week. How'd you have me planned in this if you got these months ago?"
"Josh was going to come with us, but he's got family plans."
The three moved to the top floor, Josh again sitting behind the front counter dealing with a customer. Said customer paid for his model, a plane Corbin wasn't familiar, and said his goodbye as he made for the door. It was nearing the weekend. Customers were coming and going, though most were just looking. Being summer, most were kids or teens trying to pass the time or checking to see what Gunpla they could buy or what they would wish to buy.
During that week though, Corbin hardly had time to work on his Zeta. What time he did have was spent in his training regiment with Writ and learning the proper use of the GP Base. Corbin hadn't paid much attention to the small device in the past, never realizing it played a major part in a Gunpla's capabilities. Gunplas didn't just go in and know what it was you wanted them to do. For the Gunpla to fight the way you want it to, or to use the weapons it had equipped, one had to program the GP Base. Writ had compared it to a tuner that's used on cars to program the computer to certain settings you'd like to set it at. This allowed the Battler to use special types of ammunition, or new weapons that didn't initially come with the Gunpla. Even power output for the beam weaponry.
Corbin's world had completely flipped after learning so much technical know how was needed for custom made Gunplas like Lala's Dullahan. Some would take hours properly tweaking and testing the settings in order to get their Gunpla the way they wanted it. Not to mention the other uses the GP Base had. It even acted like a phone!
Knowing that, Corbin felt embarrassed that he had gone up against Writ with a basic Zeta with basic settings. Though he still felt he would have lost even if his Gunpla had been custom. Even worse had he gone and fought in the regional's.
Speaking of which, he hadn't let that slip him by. Week one had ended and a good handful of Battlers were showing promise to go on to state. From there on would be the nationals, followed by the World Championship. Looking at the list of names that were progressing to the next phase of the tournament, Corbin couldn't identify a single one. Leading him to believe no one from his area had made it through.
Corbin looked to Lala as they approached the front counter, Josh again attending to another customer, this one buying a Gunpla. She looked over to Writ, again thanking him for the ticket, and then turned to leave the store, her fake hair bouncing with each step. She waved bye to Corbin and Josh and disappeared for the remainder of the day.
Writ approached the counter, stopping to wish the customer a good day. Once they were alone, he leaned against the counter, a big grin on his face. "I'm telling ya, Corbin, it's going to be a fun weekend."
"Wait, this weekend?" Corbin asked. Writ gave a nod. "That might be a problem. I mean, I have to get my parents permission first…"
"Already taken care of," Writ said, turning away and heading to the back to examine the Gunpla.
Corbin quickly chased after him. Josh continued to sit behind the counter, taking up a another manga to read. "What do you mean you've taken care of it?"
"Gave your parents a call the other night," Writ explained, looking over an 00 Gunpla. "Told them I had a business trip planned this weekend and that I would like you to attend."
Thinking back on it, Corbin did remember hearing his mother speaking over the phone with someone, but didn't bother to ask. He figured it was his aunt from Orlando calling about them visiting during the summer like they usually did. "So I've got the okay from them to go?"
"They thought it was a little odd for you to be going so soon in your employment, but I explained that this would be a good chance to learn a thing or two about the business world." Writ snickered to himself. "She did find it funny that they had business conventions for models. I told her it was the big thing these days. Which," he said gesturing to the wall of Gunpla, "wasn't a complete lie." He turned completely to focus on Corbin, arms crossed. "So give me an update on your Zeta."
Corbin smiled a little at the question. "Closer to completion. I spend a good portion of my time getting it ready. Painting is complete and the body is put together. Very well I might add. Just have to finish the weapons and it'll be combat ready."
Writ arched a brow with a smug grin on his face. "I'll be the judge of that. But until you're finished you'll continue to practice with the Zeta I gave you, got it?"
Corbin nodded, which Writ returned in kind before taking up the 00 and headed for the stairs. Watching his boss taking off with the Gunpla, Corbin couldn't help but think that he was going to upgrade from the Astraea.
NNN
Far off to the country of Japan, a limo slowed to a stop just in front of the worldly esteemed Gunpla Academy. Standing to the side as it came to a complete stop was none other than Allen Writs. The current coach to the academy's three man team for the newly established school competitions. He smiled as the rear passenger door opened and out stepped none other than Tatsuya Yuuki, or more famously known as Meijin Kawaguchi. As the young man exited the limo, the driver retrieving his bag and placing it down at the curb, the Meijin smiled at his long time friend. The two quickly greeting one another wit a handshake. "Wasn't expecting to see you here, Allen," Tatsuya said, taking up his single piece of luggage as the two moved up the front steps of the academy.
"I haven't heard any updates on your journey to America till you called about your return," Allen said, giving a soft smile to his friend. "And so soon too. I half expected you would have been gone for another few days." When he didn't see his friend smile back, he frowned. "I'm guessing it didn't go as well as you thought it would. Recruiting Mr. Butler into our academy, I mean."
Tatsuya shook his head as they entered. "No. He nearly refused on the spot, but had listened in on my proposal anyway. We even had a battle during the impromptu interview." And what a battle it was. Tatsuya began to wonder if he was sitting at a desk too much these days. Thinking back on the battle, he had left himself open far too many times. Openings Writ Butler did not hesitate to exploit.
"A battle you say?" Allen asked, his grin returning. "And how did that go? The students that he beat said that he was a monster on the battlefield." Which was not too surprising. A group of their students had taken off early for a summer break with their families. Rich pampered kids who paid their way into the academy. Upon their return though, they had spoken about being stuck in some small town in the south when they were on a road trip to Florida. And during their stay, they had taken part in some battles to pass the time. Even spoke of their attendance at the academy, but Allen was sure they were bragging about it. And after winning their fifth team match, a stranger in glasses approached. Never said anything and just entered the system for a fight. And there was no lying to their claim when they said he had beaten all of them on his own in only a few minutes. Their GP Bases had kept the battle time recorded from beginning to end.
And they were some of their best, he would add. And being familiar with them, Allen was sure they had boasted quite a bit before being soundly defeated on a battle systems highest difficulty.
Tatsuya's head dipped slightly, pausing in his step. "It was a fierce battle. One I won't forget because it reminded me of the battle I had with Sei and Reiji. Only reverse."
Allen blinked. "You mean the Embody System?" He gasped when Tatsuya nodded.
"In our battle, I could feel so much anger behind his blows. His machine's power reflected it with each attack and I had a difficult time countering him."
"How… did it end?" To be honest, Allen wasn't sure he wanted to hear the answer.
"I lost," he said, pulling out his personal Gunpla carrying case and handing it to Allen.
The blonde man took the case and opened it up to see the contents inside. His eyes widened when he took in the remains of Tatsuya's Amazing Exia R2, the Gunpla he had been using since his loss to Sei. Allen would dare say it was in worse condition than the first Amazing Exia.
"But I did learn something from him though," Tatsuya said, with a hint of a smile on his face. "I still have some things yet to learn. And I need to stop sitting at a desk. I'm getting rusty." He looked back to Allen. "Make sure none of the other students hear about this though. The last thing we need is for one of our other students going across the ocean just to pick a fight with someone who may just come over here and fight the entire school." He turned to continue on towards the building area, an idea of a new machine coming to mind. Something in red. "Though I think I would like to see that fight," he said with a smile.
NNN
Time went by in a daze, and Corbin stood in front of his house with a bag in hand. Writ said he was going to pick him up for their drive to Atlanta, but he wasn't expecting it to be at four in the morning. His eyes would blink, one at a time, out of exhaustion and he had to catch himself at least twice from falling asleep while standing. But it was the sound of an engine roar that awoke him fully, and he turned to see a black muscle car of years long past role up. Not being a big car buff himself, he couldn't really place the exact year, but he was sure that most car bodies of that design no longer were made of heavy metal.
The engine still going, Writ climbed out and pulled the seat forward for Corbin to climb in the back. "Come on, we got to go!" he cried out happily, Lala in the passenger side seat with a pillow between her head and the window. She was still using the silver/white wig she had been wearing as of late. "Got to beat traffic if we want to get there in time."
Corbin grumbled something as he climbed into the back, using his bag as a make shift pillow. As he closed his eyes all he heard was the door creaking and slamming shut and the loud roar of something ancient under the hood. And with that, they were off and on the road. The constant rumble of the car felt like a soothing vibration to him, and the odd chill music he played on the radio helped in completely knocking Corbin asleep.
When he awoke once more that same morning, the sun was up, casting its golden glow on a new day. Lala was awake as well, feet resting out the open passenger window, pale feet rocking from side to side at the slow music playing on the radio. The car was parked in a hotel parking lot, and Writ was nowhere to be found.
"Finally 'wake, are ye now," Lala said, looking in the review mirror to see Corbin sit up. She gave him a sweet smile. "Jus' in time too. Writ is bookin' us rooms for te weeken'. 'En he's done, off we go to 'Gunpla 'orld'!" she cried happily, black painted toenails wiggling.
"Sounds good," Corbin groaned, giving his body a stretch. "He drove all night?"
"Aye. 'e's the type to drive fer 'ours. Loves the wind in his 'air and all."
"That and the looks on peoples faces when seeing a classic car like mine rolling around. It eats gas like I eat Subway, but man does it turn heads." Writ approached the car, big grin on his face. The old door creaked as he pulled it open, and creaked again as he slammed it shut. He looked back to Corbin. "Glad to see you're awake."
Corbin narrowed his eyes. "Attention whore," he mumbled, and looked around. "So are we going inside?"
"Hell no," Writ said. "We've got the rooms, but we're going to go ahead and hit GWA early. Got to see the look on your face when we get inside."
Corbin didn't bother to ask. He was sure Writ wasn't going to explain a thing to him. Lala pulled her feet back in and clicked on her seatbelt. The old car roared to life and soon sped out of the parking lot. Corbin had never really left home, so seeing Atlanta in person for the first time was interesting. The people were no different than back home but the tall buildings were interesting to look at. Quickly though they were already passing through Atlanta and Corbin took in a site of a massive dome structure in the distance. Around it were numerous smaller domes, and tents. As they drew closer, he could see hundreds of people milling about from either of the domes or the tents, ages ranging all over.
Corbin's eyes were mainly focused on the massive done itself, a build board of the RX-78 Gundam on its surface. He never realized the car had been parked till Writ tapped him on the shoulder. Writ then instructed that they leave their things, but bring their Gunpla and GP Base.
The trip on foot took longer than Corbin had hoped. And as they drew closer he saw a line far too long for his liking. But surprise, surprise! Writ grinned and just simply passed everyone, ticket in hand and at the ready. Lala the same. Corbin dug his out and handed to the man at the front of the line, a chorus of aggravated groans were heard from the line. Corbin could feel their glares as he followed his companions inside, and was met with nothing but a wave of blue light. His jaw dropped at the sight of what had to be the largest Plavsky Particle projector he had ever seen. It seemed to stretch from one end of the dome building to the other. The light was so bright, he could hardly see the field of battle, but from what he could hear, there was no sound of fighting at all.
"Ok, we split up from here," Writ said, looking to the two. "Lala, keep an eye on him. Show him around." He gave her a wink, which Lala returned.
"And what about you?" Corbin asked, looking to Writ for only a second before looking back at the blue light.
"I've got someone I need to meet with. Personal issue with an old friend," Writ said, giving a wave. "It will only take a few minutes. You guys have fun."
Corbin watched Writ disappear into the crowd before feeling his arm pulled by Lala. "Ye 'eard the man!" she called over the crowd. "Let's go!"
It took a minute, but Corbin was led to a vacant spot for him to launch. Lala said she would have to find another place to launch for herself, and disappeared. Placing his GP Base, the particles appeared and isolated him from the rest of the crowd, acting as a buffer to muffle the sound. It was a low thrum behind him, allowing him to hear his own thoughts. Quickly placing his Gray Zeta on the stand, he took up the hard light orbs in his hands. "Okay," he said, a little nervous. He wasn't sure what kind of battle field he was going into, but if Writ had faith in him to do this, it was going to be ok. Maybe he was going into an open battle royal between what looked like a hundred other battlers, and could just stay at the sidelines and watch. "Gray Zeta! Launch!"
… nothing happened. He looked down at the Zeta, seeing it remain in place. "Launch!" he called again, but again the Zeta remained. He moved the orbs, and his Gunpla took a few steps forward. "Ooookay. Going to have to do it the hard way," Corbin said. The Zeta hunched low, and with a boost of its thrusters, it took off down the platform. Corbin was blinded by the sudden light of a simulated sun, though when his eyes adjusted to the light, he immediately stopped his machine.
The Gray Zeta hovered in the air and over open water, staring out towards a scaled gunpla city. It didn't match any known city he had ever seen, though he was sure it was taking a few ideas from some of the larger cities around the world. Towers of glistening glass and steel stretched into the sky, with what looked to be an orbital elevator in the center, going far up into the clouds above. Out in the bay to the far side was oddly enough a Statue of Liberty, though the toga wearing woman resembled Sayla Mass.
A small ping chimed from the hardlight dash in front of Corbin. Pressing a button at the console, a message scrolled across the screen: "Welcome guest to Gunpla World Atlanta's largest Plavsky battle system and welcome to Gunpla City. This simulation is built for peaceful interaction between like minded individuals who wish to display, trade, and or sell Gunpla. Weapon systems are automatically deactivated. Combat is frowned upon and will not be tolerated." A map popped up in the corner, and in it Corbin could see designated areas within and around the city. He could see where there were fly and no fly zones, what were considered hangout areas, parks…
Corbin blinked. "What the hell is this? No combat? No fly zones? Local hangouts?"
A late warning beeped from his radar, causing Corbin to turn sharp, ready for combat even though the rules said there would be none. He watched an approaching Wing Gundam in bird mode zip past and head towards the city, followed by a Raider and two Murasames. Each one displayed the battler's names above the flying machines for only a few seconds before disappearing. He watched as they flew in formation with the Wing in front, and swoop low towards the streets. As they came in each one transformed into mobile suit mode and… walked? Looking closer, he could see many other Gunpla, all doing the same thing. As the rules had said, there was no fighting, no gun fire or sabers clashing. "What the hell is this!?"
"Thin' of it as a social hub," Lala said, her image appearing in the corner of his screen. She gave him a wink as her Dullahan Gundam approached, cloak gone to showcase its custom glory. The feminine MS moved in close, arm wrapping around the left arm of his Gray Zeta. "Don' be shy. Come on!"
Corbin allowed the Zeta to be dragged on by the Dullahan and both descended down to the streets below. Touching down, Corbin took in the works of other Gunpla builders and was surprised at all the customizations and/or stellar paint jobs. He didn't miss that many were looking in his direction; or more accurately, in the direction of Lala's Dullahan. The customized build got looks that would have normally been thrown in the direction of a hot model. Living model, not Gunpla. And it didn't go missed by Lala, who wrapped her Dullahan closer to the Gray Zeta, blowing a mock kiss from her Gunpla to the crowd. And again, Corbin could feel heated glares from the numerous Gunplas surrounding them. Even more terrifying when it came from the mono-eyed mobile suits.
"Come on!" Lala called again with a giggle, the Dullahan again beginning to drag the Gray Zeta along till Corbin got it up to match her Gunplas pace. "There be lots te see! And 're jus' getting' started!"
NNN
Writ moved into the booth of the Gundam themed café, the waitress placing a water in front of him. He gave a nod as his thanks as she left to let him have a moment alone to place an order. He scanned the menu, seeing several Gundam themed dishes. Simple ones like the Zaku Slammer which was a simple bacon cheese burger wit a side of fries. Tempting as it was, he truly wasn't hungry… till he saw the root beer float. There was no way he was going to pass up a root beer float.
"Writ Butler," a gruff voice spoke.
Snapped from his thoughts of such a basic, but pleasant desert, Writ tilted his head and looked up to see an older gentleman with a blue blazer and shorts on. His mouth twitched slightly, shaking the bushy mustache he sported. Writ smirked at the familiar older battler who was famous the world around. "Mr. Ral."
Mr. Ral, notably known as the Blue Giant, took a seat a cross from Writ. The man was a renowned Gunpla battler with his signature MS-07R-35 Gouf R35. It has been said only a handful of people have ever made the Blue Giant drop his shield in battle. Writ had tried in the past to be one of those people, but ultimately failed in a climatic battle inside and out of a falling colony. Needless to say, Writ had fun. "It's been a while," Ral said, hands resting on the table in front of him. "Imagine my surprise when I received a message from you asking to meet in person here to have a talk. The last time I saw you, you were battling in an airport terminal leaving from Italy."
"Two years ago, wasn't it?" Writ asked, taking a sip of his water.
Ral nodded. "Just after Nils Nielsen rediscovered Plavsky Particles and the world was able to Gunpla battle once again. I was at a convention when one of the new model battle systems were rolled in. Since it was so long since my last battle, I had to take it for a spin. As I remember it was me who had to stop you from stepping down on other battlers."
Writ narrowed his eyes. "They had it coming," he remarked, setting his glass down on a coaster. "They were shoving kids around and telling them they couldn't battle. Someone had to set them straight."
Ral frowned. "And I believe it took me to set you straight." Before could retort to the comment, Ral simply waved his hand. "But enough of the past. I heard word that Tatsuya Yuuki paid you a visit."
Writ growled in irritation. "Word travels fast." He stared at the glass for a few seconds before continuing. "He heard about the beating I gave to some of those Gunpla Academy brats and decided to see what the hype was about. Even offered me a job." That got Ral's attention, a brow arching slightly as he leaned forward slightly. "Turned him down though after I beat him into the ground."
"Though I doubt you walked away unscathed," Ral remarked, smirking slightly seeing Writ flinch at the response.
"That's… what I wanted to talk to you about," Writ said, and looked to see if they were being watched. When he saw they weren't going to be disturbed or that anyone was watching, he rolled up his sleeve, showing what looked like a nasty graze on his shoulder. "I didn't show it but during the battle I got this mark."
Ral blinked and leaned in closer, examining the wound. It had already healed a bit, but Ral could tell it had been much worse. "How?" he asked, looking back to Writ.
Writ shook his head, rolling down his sleeve. "Not sure. But I noticed it during the fight. Got another one across my back too. Each hit happened exactly at the same time Tatsuya landed a blow to my Gunpla." He sighed with a shake of his head. "Never seen anything like it. When I heard you were going to be here, I had to meet you to discuss this."
Ral leaned back in his seat as the waitress returned. He simply asked for a water, though Writ caved and ordered a root beer float. With the order taken, she again left. When she was gone from earshot, Ral looked to Writ. "This isn't the first time I have heard of this."
"So this has happened before?"
"Similar incidents have happened around the world, but each incident was small. The word used to identify it is 'Assimilation'. Those who have experienced it notice an increase in their Gunpla's performance and over all tolerance for damage, but an added effect is that their battler also feels the damage. Nothing life crippling as of yet, but it is happening more and more."
"Any known triggers?" Writ asked, now more intrigued by the concept.
"Some theorize that the trigger is Based on a level of emotion. If say you are enormously happy during a battle, the particles seem to react to the emotion, and fuel your machine."
"Then the same could be said about someone extremely angry," Writ commented, glaring at the table. "Many known I'm not a huge fan of the whole Meijin thing. They guy just rubs me the wrong way. So when he shows up at my place of business acting like he's one of us mere mortals…"
"Your anger peeked and triggered the assimilation effect."
Writ gave a snort. "Which boosted my overall performance. And here I thought I was just better than him." The thought of it left a bad taste in his mouth. He honestly thought he had bested the great Meijin Kawaguchi, only to find out he had a slight steroid boost for his machine. "So any idea what could be causing it? It never happened before the seventh Gunpla tournament, why after?"
Ral was sure he had an idea of what it was. The Plavsky particles used today would be considered artificial in comparison to the original particles which came from the crystal that was once hidden under the World Championship Stadium. Though he swore to secrecy that he would not divulge that information. Especially considering the theorized origin of the crystal. This led him to believe that the cause of the assimilation may be due to the particles. Perhaps becoming unstable maybe? Ral gave a low growl of irritation as it bugged him, but stopped as he saw Writ was waiting for a response. Taking a deep breath, he said, "I wish I had the answer myself." What else could he say?
Writ gave a sigh. "Well, I'm a bit more informed than before." From the corner of his eye he spotted the waitress approaching with his float, and gave a small smile. "Guess I'll just have to watch my emotions in battle."
Ral gave a grunt and a nod before standing. "Well, I will be off then."
"So soon?" Writ asked, the waitress setting his float before him. He gave his thanks to her with a smile, which she returned, and looked back to Ral. "You can order something, my treat."
Ral gave a hefty chuckle and a small wave of his hand. "No thanks," he said as he gave a pat to his stomach. "I'm trying to watch my weight. Maybe another time."
Writ stood up from the booth with his hand out to the older battler. "Till next time then, Mr. Ral."
Ral took his hand in a firm shake. "Till next time, Mr. Butler."
NNN
(Ton! Dyson & Shwann - Wraith (Original Mix) [Kill Shot Exclusive]
Corbin thought he had seen it all when he found himself taking a leisurely stroll with his Gunpla down a scaled city sidewalk with his boss's… friend? Girlfriend?... Whatever she was to him… with her Gunpla and its arm around his own Gunplas. That was till the sun began to set much earlier than what it should have and Lala ended up dragging him to what was obviously a dance club. A DANCE CLUB!
Corbin's Gray Zeta stood just past the entrance after getting past a MRC-F20 Sumo bouncer. When he had entered he was immediately assaulted by flashing rainbow lights and dance music. Screens mounted on the walls showed Gundam battle clips in an AMV style. A few booths, tables and chairs were occupied with Gunpla, but what was before him was the thing he had never expected to see in his life since he started his hobby as a gunpla builder and battler. There on a dance floor were numerous Gunpla of shapes and sizes… dancing. It was an insane seen. Many customized machines, kit bashes, scratch builds… every varying type of build was there…
"This is a cluster fuck," Corbin remarked. His suit was jostled slightly as a pink Zaku made its way past him with a Hello Kitty stamp on its shield. "How… why…" His rational mind couldn't comprehend what was going on. Just couldn't. With a shake of his head he looked to his radar to try and find Lala. Unfortunately everyone in the room was registered as a friendly. Hell, everyone within the city!
Searching the crowd as the music began to shift, he spotted the cable-like hair fibers of Lala's Gunpla swish through the air. If his Gunpla had a jaw, it would drop. Her Gunpla shifted and swayed with the rhythm of the music as if it were alive. Some of the Gunpla around her gave her space to allow her to move freely, taking in her hypnotic moves. It was scary yet fascinating watching the dark Gunpla move. Hell, Corbin nearly forgot that the whole thing wasn't entirely real. Even missed the fact that the Dullahan Gundam was sauntering up towards him, till it turned, pressing the back piece into the chest plate of his Zeta.
The Gray Zeta followed his actions perfectly, looking surprised that the Dullahan had gotten as close as it did, and once more a dark glow fell over the crowd as he was glared at from all around. Again mono-eyed machines were sending their death glares in his direction.
"Don' be a stick in te' mud!" Lala called with a smile on her face. "This be par' of your trainin'!"
"How is this part of my trai… training!" he called out a little louder than he wanted when the Dullahan had turned around, arms wrapped around the neck of the Zeta. This is so awkward! The Zeta was soon led awkwardly out onto the floor, and Corbin couldn't help but find all eyes on him.
"Ye got to dance, lad!" Lala said, her Dullahan's arms above its head. "Mov' yer feet an' dance!"
Corbin looked down as he started to piece together what was going on. This… dancing must be a way to help to coordinate my movements while on foot. I can fly fairly well, but I'm still trying to get the hang of this whole movement thing without auto stabilizers. Following as instructed, he began to shift the feet of his Gunpla, though very awkwardly. Almost like a newborn duck. His balance shifted slightly to the left, but he was quick to counter it, though nearly toppling to the right instead till a hand took his. Looking to the Dullahan, Lala guided her Gunpla, in turn guiding his as the two moved across the floor. Corbin did his best to keep up, but Lala was far more adept at this. Made him wonder if she did this kind of thing with the battle system at Writ's shop.
The floor slowly started to crowd again, and Corbin found himself trying to maneuver with Lala's Gunpla, while not bumping into any of the other Gunpla surrounding him. He watched his surroundings close, his hand shifting the control orbs just at the right moment as to not collide with a Zaku I. Moving past the Zeon suit, he just barely avoided running into a white and gold painted RGM-89 Jegan. Said Jegan easily stepped around him, the name of the battler revealing it to be a she popping up next to the machine. As the name disappeared, a wink icon appeared, leaving Corbin a little… surprised?
Shaking his head, Corbin continued to perform evasive maneuvers through the crowd, keeping pace with the Dullahan, which had little trouble getting through. Seeing the edge of the dance floor just ahead, Corbin felt like he was nearing the finish line. Getting past the familiar pink Zaku II, the Gray Zeta was off the dance floor slumping slightly. Corbin let out a sigh. Releasing the controls, he flexed his hands slightly and gave them a shake to get some normal feeling going through them. Once the blood flow was back to normal, he took up the orbs and moved the Zeta over to the Dullahan. Receiving a private channel from Lala he quickly accepted, the volume of the area dropping slightly so the two could talk easily to one another. "Havin' fun 're we?" she asked, the Dullahan's hands resting on its armored hips.
Corbin looked back to the dance floor, the Zeta actually turning to give him a view before looking back. "Was definitely different. Never thought I'd be dancing with my Gunpla."
The Dullahan wagged a finger in front of the Zeta. "Still got a lon' ways te go lad."
Corbin chuckled a little. "I'm sure I…"
Corbin though was cut off as his Gunpla was pushed aside, nearly toppling over as three Gunplas approached the Dullahan. One was a green ZGMF-XX09T DOM Trooper with a blue trim, reminding Corbin of the color scheme for a standard Zaku I. The second was a standard looking MSK-008 Dijeh. The last being a NRX-044 Asshimar. As they got closer, the DOM Trooper and Dijeh moved to either side the much smaller Dullahan with the Asshimar at the center. The channel was still open, so Corbin could hear the pilot, who name popped up along side his machine. A Clint Forester. "Really digging that build you've got there. It for sell?"
Corbin could hear Lala snort, the Dullahan crossing its arms. "No," she said flatly. "Now if ye 'xcuse me, we were havin' a bit of fun."
Corbin's eyes narrowed when the Asshimar moved to block the Dullahan as it tried to move around. "Come on. I can see a well built Gunpla when I see it, and yours is definitely a well built piece."
Ugh, why did that sound dirty? Corbin thought as he straightened out his machine, hands clenched slightly. Corbin stepped up, hand moving and resting on the Asshimar's shoulder. "Hey, she's not interested in selling. So lay off."
The Asshimar turned to the Gray Zeta, and Corbin suddenly felt small when he had to look up at the larger machine. Its head dipped down, then back up. "Your's is pretty good build too, but I'm not interested in the Zeta," Clint said, turning back to Lala's Gunpla. "Come on, I'm willing to pay a hundred, cash. Another twenty if you give up the specs too."
"Not 'nterested," Lala answered, her tone beginning to show how annoyed she was becoming.
"Come on, you're breaking my balls here babe! Hundred and fifty!"
Lala's eye twitched. "Babe?" She never really liked being called that by someone she wasn't in a relationship with. Hell, not even close friends called her that. It made her feel small and though she was slightly shorter than Writ, she was not some cute little damsel.
Before the Asshimar could react, a heeled foot struck out, connecting at the side of the right knee joint. The larger Gunpla came down on said knee, the battler Clint surprised by the sudden attack by what was a much smaller Gunpla. When the mono-eye of the Asshimar looked to the Dullahan, now at slightly eye level, a dainty mechanical fist connected causing it to topple the machine over.
The room had come to a halt with a music still playing, and before Corbin realized it, the Gray Zeta was being dragged through the crowd once more by the Dullahan but a much faster pace. The two burst out the double doors almost knocking over the Sumo that was still standing outside. The sun had disappeared, giving way to a night time setting that surprised Corbin. "Spli' up!" Lala shouted, pointing down the street. "We'll meet at te' park!"
Before Corbin could say anything she pushed off, bolting down the street. Corbin watched her leave but turned sharp when the doors again opened, the Clint/Asshimar and his two friends coming out, looking ready for a fight. Forgetting that there were rules forbidding any combat, Corbin immediately turned as the three machines fixated on him and transformed into wave rider mode just when the Asshimar charged. Corbin just barely missed the machine grabbing one of his wings before he was bursting at high speeds over the heads of other Gunplas. He knew the Asshimar could transform as well and could give chase, so Corbin was quickly making use of the city's maze like interior, turning down every corner he could find that didn't lead him in a direct circle. The last thing he would want to do is run all the way back to where he started.
It was another minute before he instantly transformed back into mobile suit mode, feet hitting the concrete hard as he made an emergency landing at the park's edge and he wasted no time running through the opening arch and down a path between a few trees and bushes. It was only when he stopped beneath a tree next to a park bench that he realized how utterly ridiculous it was for him to be running from an Asshimar as if it could actually do bodily harm to him. But no matter how ridiculous as it was Corbin did find it a little fun. All those times practicing against simulated enemies in a mockup of mobile suit combat, he never thought he'd use his Gunpla in something like this. It was a bit refreshing.
With the sunlight gone, streets lamps were on down the constructed path. Corbin stepped back out on the path to take in more of his surroundings. He was alone, though he could see two Gunplas approaching side by side. One looked to be straight build of a AGE-1 Normal and the other was a yellow colored AGE-1 Spallow. A little surprising that the two were walking arm in arm, and paid him no mind as they walked past. "Must be a real couple outside the system," Corbin said to himself, watching them continue on down the path. And as their names popped up on his screen, it was confirmed by the fact they both held the same last name. "So even married couples Gunpla together." Again he learned something new. He shook his head and turned to walk back up the path. "Place is so weird," he mumbled, taking a glance up at the sky. With the city lights on, it was hard to make out the stars above. "But realistic in its own way. So much work and programming had to have gone into its making."
Corbin brought up the city map, looking for other places he could explore till Lala caught up with him. Thinking of the strange woman who's accent he still couldn't place, he wondered where she could have gone to, and had she lost those guys hassling her. "Not like they can really do anything," Corbin reminded himself as he looked over the city. He noticed a clock to the side and notice it was moving much faster than a normal clock. "So time does fly faster in the system than outside it." For every two minutes that passed in real time, an hour would pass inside the system so the days and night would come quicker. "Guess its for the people who enjoy one over the other."
Turning down a different path, Corbin approached what the map showed to be a lake at the center of the park. He paused at the edge of the water, looking out over the watery black surface. He could see other Gunpla moving about in pairs, groups, or just a single one like his. Some were straight builds like the AGE-1 Normal he saw. Others had custom paint jobs, or slight modifications done to them from the normal build. "Almost like watching an anime with living Gunpla," he remarked.
"Refreshing isn't it?"
Corbin turned and from a nearby shadow walked out the Nemesis Astraea. It approached the Gray Zeta, stopping to stare out over the water. "Yea," Corbin answered, looking at his boss's Gunpla before again looking out over the water.
"So how'd your dance lessons go?" Writ asked wit a grin. "Have fun?"
Corbin gave a nervous chuckle. "Your idea was it?" Writ gave a nod. "Well, it was definitely different. Had a hard time keeping up with Lala. Probably would have done more if we didn't run into a bit of trouble."
"Trouble?" Writ asked, looking at the Zeta with a frown. "What happened?"
"Some jerk kept hassling Lala for her Gunpla. Wanted to buy her Dullahan from her, even when she said no. So she knocked the Gunpla flat on its ass and we bolted, only to separate when we got outside the dance club."
"She say to come here?"
"Yea. By the way how'd you find me?"
"You forget your GP Base used to be mine. I just locked onto it with the one I'm using and came looking for ya." He moved his machine forward, hunching down to tip the tip of his Gunpla's fingers in the water. "So how do you like it so far?"
Corbin looked about the area, trying to think of an answer. "Its fine but seems like a lot of work and money went into something that has restrictions on battling. Who would make such a place?"
"A man who loves his daughter a lot," Writ answered.
"What?"
The Nemesis Astraea stood up and turned back to the Zeta. "There's this rich guy named Carl Douglas. Probably heard of him, some guy who owns a law firm of sorts. Anyway, he has this daughter who was caught up in an accident when she was a kid. Lost the use of her legs. She'd be about your age now I think."
Corbin looked away at the thought, feeling bad for the girl. "That's got to suck."
"Well, she had dreams of being a great Gunpla builder. Not like being stuck in a wheelchair was going to slow her down or anything. She wasn't really huge into battles either. But you can imagine it's a little hard to find like minded people who prefer to build instead of fight. So her dad built this," Writ said, his Gunpla gesturing to their surroundings. "Emplacing a restriction on battles and leaving just interactions, she was able to find people who just like to socialize, share ideas or build. Its actually gotten bigger since last year."
"But I've never heard of this place before," Corbin said, looking to the Astraea. "Not in any magazines I've read though."
"He kept it low key for a while. It's still fairly new and word is still getting out. Anymore people show up, he'll have to increase its size, or limit the number of people who come to use it. But tickets are expensive so that tends to shoo people away, unless they have deep pockets. And you've got to reserve them in advance."
Corbin nodded in understanding. "I bet. Kind of like Comic Con, or Dragon Con."
"Exactly. Soon sales booths, a few cafés, and even personal stands were placed to help broaden it out. Even a few official battle systems are placed outside the main dome for actual battle use."
"So have you ever seen or met the girl?"
"Mia Douglas? Yea I've met her. In fact," the Astraea turned and pointed over to a bench on the far side of the lake, "she's right over there."
Corbin turned and zoomed in the direction Writ pointed. Sitting on a park bench was obviously a custom built Gunpla that resembled a Lamia from ancient myth. The build was feminine in design, taking some hints obviously from the Nobel Gundam, with the long simulated hair being a dark pink, almost red with a matching tail that curled on the ground. There were no visible weapons but Corbin was sure that tail could probably crush a Gunpla if it wrapped around it.
"Let's go say hi," Writ said, red particles already being produced from the GN Drive as the Astraea lifted up and coasted over the water towards the feminine machine.
Corbin joined Writ, coasting over the water till they reached the other side. When they landed, Corbin was surprised to see Mia Douglas' Gunpla moving towards them, the dainty Lamia looking machine waving as it approached.
"Mr. Butler!" Mia called over to them, her machine moving from its sitting position and stopping just in front of the Astraea. "It's good to see you again!"
Corbin stopped just slightly behind the Astraea, examining the Gunpla now that he was closer. Imagine his surprise when looking at the machine and seeing it was very well crafted. He dare say it was better than any of Writ's builds. He could even say that the tail may have been a scratch build.
"It's good to see you too, Ms. Douglas," Writ replied, nodding his head at the image of the girl as she popped up on his screen, and on Corbin's as well. Before him was a cute young woman no older than Corbin himself, with long blonde hair the pink highlights. She had bright brown eyes that looked to have a hint of yellow to them and a bright smile on her face.
The Astraea turned, revealing the Zeta standing behind it. "Allow me to introduce my newest, and only, employee from my shop; Corbin Reese. Corbin, this is Mia Douglas."
Corbin found himself straightening his back a little when her smiling image appeared on his screen, with a faint blush on his face." H-hello." Writ noticed the stutter and smirked.
"This is his first time here, so Lala and myself were showing him around."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Corbin," she beamed. "I hope you're enjoying yourself."
"It's a new experience that's for sure," Corbin admitted, scratching his cheek a little. "Got to say, I'm impressed with your build."
Mia blushed, backing her machine a bit and giving a little spin with the tail lifting the Gunpla up a little higher than the Zeta and Astraea. "It took a lot of work, but got my Lamia Gundam just the way I wanted it. Some of the parts I got from Mr. Butler."
Corbin looked to his employer. "You helped?"
"I gave her some small parts for the joints to be used in the tail," Writ admitted. "The rest was all her."
"Mia!"
All eyes turned to the sky as the Dullahan came down, arms wide as it collided with the Lamia, which easily caught the Irish lore Based Gunpla and spun around before lowering back down to the ground. "Lala! I'm so glad you made it!" Mia said, her grin even wider. "I was worried you weren't going to make it."
"Had te' shake a few trouble makers," Lala admitted with a slight blush before looking at Writ and Corbin. "Gla' to see 'ou two here."
"Corbin filled me in on a bit of trouble you got yourself into?" Writ said with a smirk.
"Aye, some plonkers wouldn't take 'no' fer an answer."
"There was some trouble?" Mia asked with a small hint of worry. "No one broke any of the rules did they?"
Lala blushed slightly. "Well, I mey 'ave started a wee fight," she admitted. "But nothin' serious."
"I'll smooth things over if it comes back on you," Mia said with a mischievous look on her face. "I have a few strings I can pull."
The two young women moved down the path, conversing amongst themselves while Corbin and Writ hung back, the two following in silence. Soon the light of the next day was beginning to show in the distance. Corbin was a bit surprised but shrugged as he remembered the time difference.
They all paused though when they took notice of a group of Gunpla surrounding a group of five other Gunpla. Each of the five were suits from Gundam Seed Destiny: the Impulse with the Force Silhouette, Chaos, Gaia, Abyss, and Saviour. Each one seemed to have additional parts to them that Corbin couldn't identify. And watching closely, they were… posing? Corbin blinked as he noticed that their posing and stances were a throwback to Super Sentai, with the Impulse at the front.
"Okay, bring them together!" the battler of the Impulse cried out, and his machine quickly boosted into the air.
The Force Impulse began to shift, the arms and legs folding in and under the Force pack. Next was the Abyss, splitting and folding out into a set of shoulders and arms. Following it was the Gaia which also folded in on itself much like the Impulse. The three then merged with the Force Impulse acting like the head and backpack with the Abyss as the arms and shoulders. The Gaia docked with the two, acting as the torso.
Following the merger, the Chaos and Saviours leapt up, the two ejecting parts from their forms as they changed into what looked to be a set of legs and feet. The rest that had ejected connected with the Gaia portion of the new machine, acting as an armored skirt as the newly formed legs connected. The gestalt came down with a crash. As it straightened out, it towered over the other Gunpla. May even match up to a Psyco Gundam. Anything higher would be pushing it.
"Well damn," Writ said, watching the machine take a heroic stance as rays from the slowing rising sun shined down on the gestalt Gundam. "Should of thought of that myself."
"…" Corbin didn't know what to say.
The girls just watched in awe, while the other Gunpla circled around the five-in-one Gundam.
"Must be taking pictures," Writ said, using his controls to snap a few for himself. "Does give me a few ideas."
"Pictures?" Corbin repeated.
"Like any convention, you're going to have people wanting to take picture. I'm sure someone has taken a few of Lala's Dullahan or Mia's Lamia. Maybe even the Zeta your using."
"Huh."
"There you are!"
Corbin instantly recognized that voice and spun his Zeta around in time to see the Asshimar come down from the sky and land some feet away with the DOM Trooper skirting in over the grass and the Dijeh boosting over the trees. The two landed with the Asshimar as it approached. Corbin looked over to Writ, the Astraea looking over to the Asshimar but seemed to really pay it no mind as it focused back on the gestalt. Lala, from her point, rolled her eyes at the approaching trio but Mia looked a bit confused.
"Thought you could get away with that cheap trick?" Clint asked.
Lala shrugged. "A little."
"For that little stunt, I want a battle."
"You can't fight here," Mia said. "The rules won't allow it and your weapons are already shut down."
The Asshimar turned and paused at the sight of Mia's Lamia Gundam. "Well, well. That's an interesting build."
Mia shrunk back at the Asshimar, her Gunpla mimicking her movements. Corbin growled and moved his Zeta in front of the Asshimar, blocking Clint's view of Mia's Gunpla. "Hey. Just back off alright. No one likes a jerk."
Clint sneered at the Zeta and stepped forward. "Move aside kid. I want a better look at that Gunpla. Hey girl, you willing to sell it?"
"Are you serious?" Corbin asked, confused on the guys antics. "Get lost man."
"Listen here you little sh…" Clint was silenced when a physical blade materialized in his view, and looked over to see the black Astraea with its GN Sword Kai drawn, the red/orange edge of the blade aimed at the mono-eye of the Asshimar. Behind the Asshimar, the DOM Trooper and Dijeh tensed, mono-eyes looking back and forth between the two.
"You're causing a scene," Writ said in a flat tone. "Beat it."
"But…the system's rules…"
"Effects projectiles and beam based weaponry," Writ finished for the Asshimar user. "But a physical blade like mine, not so much. I can still cut yours in half so back off."
Corbin tensed at the tone of Writ's voice and stepped back. He could imagine Writ giving that glare he gave to the foreign guy from before to Clint right now. And if Clint persisted, Writ would keep his word and cut down the Asshimar.
"Writ," Lala called. "We've got incoming."
Corbin noticed it as well. While everyone else was registered as a friendly, even Clint and his friends, a red dot was fast approaching. The other must have saw it as well as they turned in the direction of the approaching enemy, and Corbin's jaw dropped as he took in the image of an approaching Gundam Exia. When it came closer, GN-001REIII Gundam Exia Prime appeared on Corbin's display and he did notice the difference in its build aside from the noticeable red and blue paint job of the machine. Mounted on the left arm was a GN Long Riffle, folded back just like the GN Sword Kai which was mounted on the right arm.
The red and blue Exia hovered in the air with white/gold particles coming from the GN Drive. It stared down at the group before lowering towards the ground. As it landed, Mia's Lamia Gundam slithered over to the Exia.
"Mr. Cullen, I'm glad you came," she said with a bit of relief in her voice.
"I came as soon as you sent out your distress signal," the Exia user said in a deep voice.
Corbin looked at the machine, noticing the battler's name didn't appear. That's not a good sign, he thought, tensing again as the Exia moved forward. Dark movement to his side caused Corbin to look and see Writ moved forward, his GN Sword Kai flicking back into it's unused position.
The Exia Prime stopped a few feet from the Nemesis Astraea, the two looking to stare each other down. Even the gestalt and it's fans had paused to look at the tension that was building with their little group.
Corbin moved over to Lala's side. "Who is that and why is he coming up as unfriendly."
"Tha', lad, is head of the security tha' monitors te battle system," Lala said, never taking her eyes off of the two. "Only little Mia knows 'is name."
Blue optics stared at red as the two GN Drive using Gunplas seemed to glare at one another.
"Nemesis Astraea," spoke the head of security. "I had a feeling you would be starting trouble again."
Writ glared. "Exia Prime."
To Be Continued…
Well that took longer than I had liked, but I'm juggling two fics at once along with other hobbies and interests so it shouldn't be too much of a surprise.
Now I'm going to make something clear, this is a side story that will eventually connect with my Crossover fic Eyes in Seed. At a certain point this fic will collide with that one, so be sure to read it along with this one so as to get any idea of the characters and what's going on.
Also, its hinted that this fic, along with EiS, takes place roughly two to three years after GBF. So a lot of the things we saw in GBF:T hasn't been thought of, or developed yet. So there will not be Super Saiyan battles with spirit animals that can destroy half the damn planet. (I hated that part) That aside I hope everyone continues to read this fic.